Algeria has initiated the process to terminate the air services agreement signed with the United Arab Emirates in 2013. The decision may have an impact on aviation, tourism, and trade.
Algeria has officially launched the process to terminate the air services agreement signed with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Abu Dhabi in May 2013. The development was announced on Saturday by Algerian state media.
According to Algerian State Radio, the necessary diplomatic and administrative procedures have been put into effect to terminate the agreement, which was approved by a presidential decree in December 2014. Under Article 22 of the agreement, the termination decision must be communicated to the United Arab Emirates through diplomatic channels, and the Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) must be informed of the process.
While no official justification for the decision has been announced, Reuters reported that UAE authorities have not yet issued a statement.
Diplomatic Tensions May Have Played a Role
Algerian media in recent months has increasingly published content accusing the United Arab Emirates of fuelling regional tensions and interfering in Algeria’s internal affairs. It is considered that such rhetoric may have influenced the termination of the agreement.
Last October, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune stated that his country maintained good relations with all Gulf countries, but implicitly referred to the UAE by saying “one country excepted.” While Tebboune described relations with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar as “brotherly,” he accused the unnamed country of attempts to destabilise the region.
Aviation, Tourism, and Air Cargo Transport at Risk
The termination of the air services agreement could negatively affect business travel, tourism, and passenger traffic, and may also disrupt air cargo transportation on the Gulf route, which serves as an important transit point in trade between Algeria and Asia.
Analysts note that a prolonged disruption could increase travel and logistics costs, potentially creating a deterrent effect on investments and commercial activities.
If the process drags on, it is stated that Algeria’s national carrier Air Algérie, along with UAE-based airlines such as Emirates and Etihad Airways, could face higher operating costs or reduced market access depending on the reorganisation of bilateral air traffic rights.
